Alternative help for rent costs?

C._Harper

Hello. We are currently unable to get housing benefit as we were to deemed to have deprived ourselves of capital by HB. My husband doesn't work due to mental illness, I work 25 hours a week. We live on his benefits and my wages. Are we entitled to any alternative to housing benefit to help with rent costs does anyone know ?
Thanks in advance.

pmlindyloo

C._Harper wrote: »

Hello. We are currently unable to get housing benefit as we were to deemed to have deprived ourselves of capital by HB. My husband doesn't work due to mental illness, I work 25 hours a week. We live on his benefits and my wages. Are we entitled to any alternative to housing benefit to help with rent costs does anyone know ?
Thanks in advance.

There is no alternative to HB.

However, would need more details about the deprivation of capital issue to give more advice.

Did you ever receive advice about appealing this?

There is also a way to reclaim HB once the deprivation of capital amount has been 'offset' against normal living expenses.

Can you tell us when you were denied HB? How much deprivation of capital was used and what was deemed to be deprivation of capital?

C._Harper

Hi thanks for your reply. Shelter are in the process of appealing it (on second appeal) I will have to go and look up the exact amounts but in region of 100k. We have paid rent for 2 years (700 PCM) plus living expenses, started and failed at a business (approx 14k worth) had holidays, bought a car and a van (approx 6.5k total) given monetary gifts to needy friends etc.

missbiggles1

C._Harper wrote: »

Hi thanks for your reply. Shelter are in the process of appealing it (on second appeal) I will have to go and look up the exact amounts but in region of 100k. We have paid rent for 2 years (700 PCM) plus living expenses, started and failed at a business (approx 14k worth) had holidays, bought a car and a van (approx 6.5k total) given monetary gifts to needy friends etc.

And Shelter are helping you to appeal it?:eek:

missapril75

C._Harper wrote: »

Hello. We are currently unable to get housing benefit as we were to deemed to have deprived ourselves of capital by HB. My husband doesn't work due to mental illness, I work 25 hours a week. We live on his benefits and my wages. Are we entitled to any alternative to housing benefit to help with rent costs does anyone know ?
Thanks in advance.

Has a date been identified at which they will accept the notional capital will have reduced to a level at which you may become entitled?

There will be a number of organisations and charities who may help, especially if it was seen as a relatively short term need. Ideally one with which either of you have a connection.

One of the Mental Health organisations may point you in the right direction and this could depend on the type of illness; there are different agencies.

Social Services should have a directory of charities but you might find it on line too.

Are you (or was he when employed) a union member? Some unions have funds for this sort of thing. Similarly some employers might also. Ex-services?

Ah...just saw your reply about Shelter. They might be able to make the kind of suggestions I mention. Certainly the Shelter workers I knew would already have done it.

nannytone_2

you can account for approx 36.5k out of 100k

it isn't acceptable to 'give it away', so what has happened to the other 63.5k?

C._Harper

Yes. They are non judgmental and very helpful.

C._Harper

Thankyou miss April 75, I'll look into what you've advised, I appreciate you spending time to help.
Re other comments, I can see why I was advised not to come on here for help. Very judgmental, ready to criticise. Unless you want to help, not bully people, why be on here?

oldhand

C._Harper wrote: »

Thankyou miss April 75, I'll look into what you've advised, I appreciate you spending time to help.
Re other comments, I can see why I was advised not to come on her for help. Very judgmental, ready to criticise. Unless you want to help, not bully people, why be on here?

I dont think people here are being judgmental or bullying,to be honest when you said at the beginning of your thread you were refused HB as you had deprived yourself of assets I assumed it was around 3 or 4 thousand you meant but to have received £100,000 and have it all gone even if you did give some to needy friends it was surely foolish to have spent it all knowing you would end up seeking more benefits again?
I think you or shelter will have a major job convincing housing benefits you are entitled to help again and at the very least they will be asking for receipts for the big spends.......

missapril75

C._Harper wrote: »

Re other comments, I can see why I was advised not to come on her for help. Very judgmental, ready to criticise. Unless you want to help, not bully people, why be on here?

Stick with it. Try to ignore any comment you don't like.

Also, give posters a chance. What looks like a negative approach is often a way of bringing out some information that leads to useful suggestions

C._Harper

Thank you x